Covid-19 Updates

These past two months have been like nothing any of us has ever experienced before. The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused disruption of every aspect of our daily lives, including the organized soccer activities we all enjoy so much. Throughout this unprecedented and confusing time, we have guided our decision-making by the fundamental principle that the well-being of all of our players, staff, parents and loved ones is always our first priority. We thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation.

Removal of national suspension of activities on May 18:

We recognize that different parts of our country have been affected to a different degree by the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, we are lifting our national suspension of activities and delegating return-to-play decision making to our local members, effective May 18.

To be clear, this decision by no means is a blanket permission to return to the fields. Each member is expected to strictly follow state and local guidelines for the resumption of play. PLEASE NOTE: OUR INSURANCE IS ONLY IN EFFECT IF YOUR ACTIVITIES ARE CONSISTENT WITH LOCAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES.

April 27, 2020

Dear members,

As a number of states and local jurisdictions begin planning for a phased return to normalcy, US Club Soccer has targeted May 18th as the date we hope to return decision-making authority to our local leagues. This is subject to change, of course, but it is our hope that our members can begin to sensibly return to the fields after that, subject to some requirements and recommendations.

The return-to-play decision is a complicated one. We understand just how important it is for clubs, coaches, parents and players to play organized soccer again. But, as parts of the country begin to open up over the coming weeks, we encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution and continue to abide by public health experts’ guidelines for hygiene, physical distancing, facemask use, etc. You can read about those guidelines on this CDC web page.

When play does resume in your area, we’ll require compliance with safety measures that adhere to the CDC and federal and local governments. We will share a comprehensive list before returning to play.

The federal guidelines for states to resume business activities are outlined on this federal “Opening America” web page. In this phased approach, “schools and organized youth activities” – including sporting venues – are listed in the second phase, which is applicable for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy all establishing criteria.

We’re hopeful that the continued suspension of activities until May 18th puts us in a position to begin Phase 2. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow up the week prior with a return-to-play decision.

In the meantime, please visit usclubsoccer.org/coronavirus for information on the Paycheck Protection Program, CARES Act, unemployment benefits by state, etc. We know how difficult this time is for everyone, and we urge everyone to remain resolute in taking the proper precautions, so that the progress we have collectively made in this fight against coronavirus will lead us to returning to the field soon.

With the growing uncertainty and spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we are continuing to assess our club’s activities. As always, our number one priority is the safety of our players and we do not take this lightly. Unfortunately, this is a developing situation and things are certain to change.

For now, we will be suspending all training through March 31, this will allow us the time to take in more information and best assess the situation. Your coach will be communicating directly with you regarding currently scheduled games/ events. We will have this announcement and relevant links up on our website by the end of the day tomorrow. We will continue to update the website as new information becomes available.

As the leadership of our nation continues to work to contain the virus, we will continue to monitor its impact on our community and our club. It is our intent to remain transparent on this situation and we appreciate your understanding as we navigate through this time together. Please understand that our decisions are made with one thing in mind, the safety of our kids and families.

Sincerely,

Rick Hough – President

Mike Higgins- General Manager

From Cal South:

Dear Cal South Members,

With the increasing number of cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) being reported across the world, Cal South wants to provide its members with guidelines and best practices outlined by various National and International agencies. We are monitoring all these agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State Department, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and The World Health Organization (WHO) for the latest updates.

We are also monitoring any updates US Youth Soccer (USYS) and The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) make or announce, and will communicate any changes in the current soccer policies regarding this issue. At this time, Cal South competitions and events will continue as scheduled.

To reinforce health safety and best practices for illness prevention, please read the list below:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

The CDC recommends that ONLY people who are ill wear a face mask, as it can be an effective tool to help prevent the transmission of respiratory illnesses including Coronavirus.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.